Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

SparkoCam VS iSpy

Compare SparkoCam VS iSpy and see what are their differences

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SparkoCam logo SparkoCam

SparkoCam is an all in one web camera supporting software that however has been made for the Canon based cameras but can support for various other cameras as well.

iSpy logo iSpy

iSpy is software that allows the user to view and control video surveillance cameras. The software began development in 2007 and now has over 2 million users around the world, according to the software's website. Read more about iSpy.
  • SparkoCam Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-13
  • iSpy Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-09-19

SparkoCam features and specs

  • Versatile Camera Support
    SparkoCam supports a wide range of Canon DSLR cameras, making it versatile for different users who own different Canon models.
  • Webcam Streaming
    It allows users to turn their DSLR cameras into high-quality webcams for streaming, videoconferencing, or recording purposes.
  • Special Effects and Overlays
    The software offers a variety of effects and overlays, such as frames and face accessories, which can enhance video streams or recordings.
  • Easy Setup
    SparkoCam has a user-friendly interface that simplifies the process of setting up the camera and utilizing various effects and tools.
  • Green Screen Support
    The software includes chroma key functionality, allowing users to replace video backgrounds and create professional-looking productions.

Possible disadvantages of SparkoCam

  • Limited Non-Canon Support
    While it supports many Canon DSLRs, the support for other brands is limited, potentially restricting users with non-Canon cameras.
  • Resource Intensive
    SparkoCam can be resource-intensive, leading to potential performance lags on computers with lower processing power or memory.
  • Watermark on Free Version
    The free version of SparkoCam includes a watermark on the video feed, which can be distracting and unprofessional for serious use.
  • No Native Mac Support
    SparkoCam is designed for Windows, which means users on MacOS need alternative solutions to use similar functionalities.
  • Cost
    The software requires a purchase for the full version, which may be a drawback for users looking for free options with similar capabilities.

iSpy features and specs

  • Open Source
    iSpy is an open-source software, meaning it can be modified and customized to fit specific needs. Users also benefit from community contributions and enhancements.
  • Free Basic Version
    The basic version of iSpy is free to use, which makes it accessible for individuals and small businesses that need surveillance solutions without a significant financial investment.
  • Compatibility
    iSpy supports a wide range of camera types and brands, including IP cameras, webcams, and network cameras, offering flexibility and choice for users.
  • Features Rich
    iSpy offers an extensive array of features, including motion detection, audio monitoring, remote access, and alert notifications, making it a robust surveillance solution.
  • Integration
    Supports integration with other services, such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and FTP for storing recorded footage, as well as IFTTT for automation.

Possible disadvantages of iSpy

  • Complex Setup
    The extensive feature set and customization options can make the initial setup process complicated, requiring a significant amount of time and technical knowledge.
  • Subscription Tiers
    While the basic version is free, many advanced features, such as remote web access and larger storage, require a subscription, which might be expensive for some users.
  • Resource Intensive
    iSpy can be resource-intensive, requiring significant CPU and memory usage, which might not be suitable for older or lower-spec computers.
  • Windows Only
    iSpy is primarily available for Windows, limiting its usability for users on other operating systems like macOS and Linux.
  • User Interface
    Some users find the user interface to be less intuitive and more cluttered compared to other surveillance software solutions.

Analysis of iSpy

Overall verdict

  • Overall, iSpy is a solid choice for users looking for a flexible and affordable surveillance solution. However, the setup can be technically complex for novices, and some advanced features require a subscription. Its open-source nature ensures regular updates and a supportive community, but the learning curve might be steep for those without technical expertise.

Why this product is good

  • iSpy is popular because it is an open-source surveillance software that supports a wide range of cameras and devices. It offers features like motion detection, cloud storage, remote access, and a community-driven plugin architecture. Additionally, it's free for basic use, which makes it accessible for many users.

Recommended for

    iSpy is recommended for tech-savvy users who want a customizable and affordable solution for video surveillance. It is suitable for small business owners, DIY enthusiasts, and those who are interested in an open-source solution that can be tailored to their specific needs. It is less ideal for those seeking a plug-and-play, all-in-one system with customer support.

SparkoCam videos

Episode 2: OBS webcam and DSLR Sparkocam setup

More videos:

  • Review - SparkoCam Free Download | DSLR Camera as Webcam
  • Review - SparkoCam Features-A quick look at all the fun features that SparkoCam has to offer.

iSpy videos

IPSY SEPTEMBER 2019| ISPY SEPTEMBER REVIEW| IPSY

More videos:

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to SparkoCam and iSpy)
3D
21 21%
79% 79
WebCamera Apps
19 19%
81% 81
Video Surveillance
0 0%
100% 100
Webcams
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare SparkoCam and iSpy

SparkoCam Reviews

Webcam Toy: 10 Free webcam Softwares like Webcam Toy 2020
SparkoCam allows you to use Canon or Nikon DSLR camera as your regular webcam, which may seem like nothing, but it is a very big deal. It allows the bypass of traditional webcams we are forced to use with other WebCam Toy Alternatives and it might just save us some money. This webcam competitor is absolutely free for use to the fullest extent and it may even enhance the...
Source: phreesite.com
10+ Best Webcam Effects Software Download Reviews
Sparkocam is software for adding video effects to your webcam. It requires that you use of Nikon or canon camera. You can enhance your experience it the webcam by adding graphics and webcam effects. The features you will enjoy by downloading sparkocam are green screening desktop streaming, video recording, face accessories and virtual webcam.
Download Best Camera Apps for PC [ Windows/Mac ]
SparkoCam webcam gives you different graphics effects while you are doing live chats and video recordings. The best thing about SparkoCam is that you can use Canon PowerShot and EOS cameras as your regular web cameras and you can use them with any video recording application.
Source: techbeasts.com

iSpy Reviews

10 Best ZoneMinder Alternatives: Free and Paid Video Surveillance
Another complete solution that is a favorite of many users is iSpy. This project started as an open-source application intended to provide an alternative to expensive surveillance systems. Later on, the team started the development of Agent DVR, which has already outclassed its predecessor. Agent DVR is a great ZoneMinder alternative as it provides many of the same features.
15 Best Blue Iris Alternatives 2024
However, it is not the only software in the category that gives excellent performance. Among the more popular Blue Iris alternatives are ZoneMinder, Shinobi, YawCam, and others. However, iSpy is the best Blue Iris alternative thanks to its affordability and feature-packed design.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, iSpy seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 12 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

SparkoCam mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of SparkoCam yet. Tracking of SparkoCam recommendations started around Mar 2021.

iSpy mentions (12)

  • Remote Access "connect" is not working.
    I can't connect my local server to ispyconnect.com or the app. Serial changed for public consumption. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Cannot connect to iSpy from outside
    No, it has mjpeg endpoints and a command interface but not a website, the website for it is on ispyconnect.com. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Agent DVR Permissions Issues
    I've reproduced these steps but still can't get it to work. I just want to add that I can access it from ispyconnect.com but no other users can. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Plugin for IP camera
    Thank you everybody for your help, especially u/thisischemistry. I finally found a solution. My problem was the rtsp link that was not correct. The path depends on the brand of the camera. I went on ispyconnect.com where you can generate the correct URL base on you camera's brand. And that was it ! Magical :). Source: over 2 years ago
  • How to stop remote server/access and only have local?
    What external access are you talking about? If you mean access from ispyconnect.com then use that switch - if you mean access from the LAN you'll just need to block the 8090 port with the firewall. Source: almost 3 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing SparkoCam and iSpy, you can also consider the following products

ManyCam - ManyCam is one of the most popular solutions for integrating a variety of web cameras through one program, or a single webcam through many different programs. Read more about ManyCam.

Blue Iris - Blue Iris is a high end security monitoring system that lets you view and control the feeds from all the cameras at your home or place of business.

SplitCam - SplitCam webcam software. Official site of SplitCam video splitting and webcam video effects software. Latest version of SplitCam download for free.

ZoneMinder - ZoneMinder is a free and open-source piece of security software that can be used at home or in your business. The software puts you in control of all of your data, and it is exceptionally easy to setup. Read more about ZoneMinder.

WebcamMax - Add videos, pictures and effects to virtual/real webcam and broadcast on messengers. It works on all webcam programs and thousands of effects are available. You can share your screen or play movies for others.

motionEyeOS - A Video Surveillance OS For Single-board Computers